FARMINGTON — The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Franklin County is setting themselves up for success as programs begin to take off in the wake of COVID-19. One of the biggest benefactors is the 4-H program within the organization.

“4-H has exploded in the last few months, because of [COVID-19],” Kristen Grondin, 4-H community education assistant, said in an interview. “Things have started to come back around.”

4-H, which stands for “head, heart, hands, and health” is a youth organization dedicated to “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”

Grondin, who has an extensive history with 4-H going back to when she was a child in the 4-H program, is developing a new project for STEM education, climate science, agriculture, and data literacy. The project, which is in collaboration with GMRI [Gulf of Maine Research Institute] will help bring climate science and data into classrooms and after school programs.

“Kristy has been building relationships there, and making inroads with schools that we haven’t had a lot of contact with in the last few years due to COVID-19,” Tara Marble, 4-H youth development professional, added.

With COVID-19 restrictions becoming more relaxed and more opportunities for hands-on education becoming available, 4-H in Franklin County is taking advantage of the situation and trying to make the most of the opportunities that are available for kids.

“It really shook everybody,” Marble stated. “We had a complete stop to most programming for a short time, and then we went completely virtual.”

While COVID-19 restrictions have been on the decline for the past year, parents still experienced reluctance with involvement, but that has begun to change according to Marble and Grondin.

One issue that has developed due to COVID-19 is the number of volunteers that are needed in the program. “We have volunteers that have sort of changed what their priorities are, so we’re always looking to increase our volunteer base at this point,” Marble stated.

To become a volunteer, please visit extension.umaine.edu/4h/volunteers/how-do-i-become-a-volunteer, where it details the steps involved with becoming a volunteer as well as providing the links needed to complete those steps.

Marble also stated that 4-H is willing to work with any type of schedule that volunteers have. “We’re willing to work with folks on whatever they can kind of commit to; short term, one day, a few sessions,” she stated. “We’re really just looking to have ways for youth to connect again to helpful adult partners in our community.”

According to Grondin and Marble, there will be more to come once spring comes around. For the month of March, events such as the Algae and Engineering SPIN [special interest] clubs are scheduled throughout the month as well as another upcoming poster contest due by Friday, March 31.

More details about the poster contest are to come, but for more information about 4-H and how to get involved, contact Cooperative Extension in Franklin County at [207] 778-4650 or email extension.franklin@maine.edu.